Cisco C240 M4 2U Rack Server - Dual Xeon E5-2630 v4, 32GB RAM, 12Gb/s SAS Controller

The Cisco UCS C240 M4 SFF is a high-performance, two-socket, 2U rack server designed to excel in storage-intensive infrastructure workloads—from big data analytics to collaboration platforms. Powered by two Intel Xeon E5-2630 v4 processors at 2.20 GHz, backed by 32 GB of ECC memory and a 12 Gb/s SAS controller, this server delivers dependable throughput, enterprise-grade reliability, and scalable expansion in a compact, data-center-ready chassis. Built with Cisco’s emphasis on security, remote management, and resilience, the C240 M4 is a solid foundation for virtualization, databases, backup solutions, and dense storage deployments that demand both performance and long-term investment protection.

• Dual-processor performance for demanding workloads: With 2 x Intel Xeon E5-2630 v4 processors at 2.20 GHz, this 2U rack server handles virtualization, large-scale databases, and I/O-heavy applications with impressive multi-threaded efficiency and consistent throughput across peak and off-peak periods.
• Robust memory with reliability: 32 GB of ECC DDR4 RAM ensures data integrity and steady memory performance. The architecture supports expansion to accommodate growing workloads, improving cache effectiveness and responsiveness under virtualization, analytics, and tiered storage scenarios.
• High-speed storage controller for fast I/O: A 12 Gb/s SAS controller delivers rapid data transfer across storage devices, enabling low-latency access to large datasets, fast backups, and responsive application performance even under heavy I/O activity.
• Storage-rich 2U chassis with flexible expansion: The 2U form factor packs generous drive capacity while maintaining a compact footprint. Hot-swappable drive bays and PCIe expansion options offer flexible storage and I/O pathways to meet evolving data-center needs, from tiered storage to virtualization hosting.
• Enterprise-grade management and security: Built-in remote management capabilities and Cisco’s robust security framework streamline provisioning, firmware updates, monitoring, and proactive health checks, reducing downtime and simplifying complex deployments across data centers.

Technical Details of Cisco C240 M4 2U Rack Server

• Model: Cisco UCS C240 M4
• Form Factor: 2U Rack
• Processors: 2 x Intel Xeon E5-2630 v4, 2.20 GHz
• Memory: 32 GB RAM (ECC DDR4, scalable with chassis/configuration)
• Storage Controller: 12 Gb/s SAS controller
• Drive Bays: Supports multiple SAS/SATA drives depending on chassis configuration
• Networking: Integrated management and flexible network options per configuration
• Power: Redundant power supply options (configuration-dependent)
• Management: Remote management via Cisco CIMC/UCS Manager for provisioning, monitoring, and firmware updates

How to Install Cisco C240 M4 2U Rack Server

• Prepare the rack and environment: Confirm rack space, ensure proper grounding and cable management, and verify power distribution capacity for the server and any expansion hardware.
• Install rack rails and mount the chassis: Attach the rack rails according to the chassis and rack specifications, slide the server into position, and secure it with screws as directed by your rack system.
• Connect power and network: Attach redundant power cords to the appropriate PDU outlets and connect management and data networks to the configured interfaces to ensure connectivity from the start.
• Power up and enter CIMC/BIOS: Power on the server, access the CIMC or BIOS configuration utility, and configure boot order, storage controller settings, and RAID or drive mode as required for your deployment.
• Install operating system and drivers: Install your chosen operating system, then load system drivers, storage controller firmware, and Cisco management agents to enable full hardware utilization and remote management.
• Update firmware and verify health: Use CIMC/UCS Manager to apply the latest firmware across components, then run health checks to confirm hardware readiness, fan operation, and temperature monitoring.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What workload is the Cisco C240 M4 best suited for? A: It is well-suited for storage-intensive workloads, virtualization, enterprise databases, backup solutions, and collaboration platforms that benefit from a two-socket, 2U design with expandable storage and robust remote management.
• Q: How much memory can it support beyond 32 GB? A: The base configuration includes 32 GB of RAM; memory capacity can be expanded based on the server’s DIMM availability and configuration, enabling larger memory footprints for virtualization or in-memory workloads.
• Q: Does it provide remote management? A: Yes. The Cisco UCS C240 M4 includes built-in remote management features via Cisco CIMC/UCS Manager, which supports provisioning, monitoring, and firmware updates across the data center fleet.
• Q: What storage options are available? A: The server supports multiple SAS/SATA drives through the 12 Gb/s SAS controller, with drive bays and configuration dependent on the chosen chassis and expansion options, allowing scalable storage pools and redundancy.
• Q: Is this server suitable for virtualization environments? A: Absolutely. Its dual Xeon configuration, 32 GB of RAM (expandable), and high-speed SAS storage, combined with Cisco management capabilities, make it a solid foundation for virtualization hosts and dense virtual machines.